Don’t be afraid to be creative: They are plenty of affordable options to make a space feel either professionally designed or less “officey.” Do your research and find interesting alternatives to traditional desks and room dividers. You can do so many cool things with not a lot of money that make a big impact on the aesthetic and way it feels.

Don’t be afraid to use color: For us, this color has been part of our brand since Day 1. We didn’t want to overwhelm people but we also didn’t want to shy away from it. All we know is it’s a great conversation starter.

Align your vision with your business partner: Being organized, having a clear vision and communicating clearly on what your needs and wants are, is also very important. You want the space to be a reflection of you and your team and the business.

In the pink

Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of the Pantone Color Institute, says J Public Relations’ choice of pink as an office color is perfectly safe, even “adventuresome.”

“A lot of urban legends hold that pink makes men weak,” she said. “It started years ago when they painted jails pink to calm down prisoners. Then everybody picked up on it, that it makes everybody weak. It really wasn’t true. It was disproven after a little bit.”

In fact, she said, pink is a flattering color: “Pink is a good thing because it does make people look healthier, and who doesn’t want to look healthy and revitalized in that kind of environment. It’s certainly better than having walls of yellow and green that reflect on the skin.”

As for pink’s connotation as a “girlie” color, Eiseman says so what: “There is a certain nurturing quality about pink, a certain deliciousness attached to it. I think it’s a great idea.”

She added: “Getting back to the idea that pink is too girlie, we are beyond that. Most people acknowledge that guys wear pink ties and pink shirts and it’s OK. So let’s get over that particular association with pink. I think it’s very adventuresome to do that.”

Pantone’s color of the year, by the way, isn’t pink but Tangerine Tango.

“It’s an appetite-stimulating color, very high-energy,” Eiseman said. “You can’t help but look at that color and feel energized.”

Walk into J Public Relations’ offices at the former Driver Building in downtown San Diego and you’ll get a blast of pink.

Pink walls, pink accessories, pink graphics.

It’s as if “Legally Blonde’s” Elle Woods had switched careers and downed a gallon of pink lemonade.